Chapter 5 Chains And Choices

Kaela stood at the edge of Wyrmroot Caves, the wind clawing at her cloak as the sun drowned beneath the horizon. Behind her lay the sacred caves of the Luna Circle, where she had embraced a truth older than Ironclaw itself. Ahead of her loomed a summons, one she could no longer avoid.

The Ironclaw Council had summoned her, not as a daughter, not as a warrior but as a bride to be bartered.

When she entered the council hall, The Ironclaw council chamber felt colder than she remembered. Its stone walls, once grand, now seemed like a prison. Elders lined the high seats. Alpha Ronan sat at the head, regal and merciless, a false smile tugging at his lips.

She stood alone before them, her presence a storm in wolfskin.

The air was stiff with expectation. Her father, Alpha Ronan Ironclaw, sat at the center, with silver-threaded hair and judging eyes.

She had changed, No longer Kaela the obedient daughter. No longer the pawn of her father's will.

You return altered, Ronan said, his voice cold as iron. Touched by old powers. But power must be bound. You will be mated, Kaela. The pack demands stability.

Kaela folded her arms. The pack needs freedom, she shot back, not chains wrapped in the guise of tradition.

A murmur rippled through the chamber.

Alpha Ronan raised a hand, silencing them. Then let us ensure your strength is balanced with wisdom. The Council has selected a mate.

Kaela didn't move. I don't want a mate.

Elder Malric rose. You speak recklessly. You will have one, For the good of the pack, for bloodline and law. So we have chosen a mate. One worthy of the Ironclaw name.

The chamber doors opened.

Taron Vexmoor entered like a shadow given form, tall, austere, wrapped in black leather and pride. Cold grey eyes swept the room, lingering on Kaela with a hint of disdain. Every step he took was calculated like a wolf stalking prey it already believed it had caught.

Taron strode forward like he already owned the ground.

Kaela, he said, voice smooth and arrogant. You have grown fierce. That will make you a fine Luna beside me.

I would rather be Luna beside a snake, she replied.

"Taron", Ronan called with pride. Son of a respected Beta line. Proven warrior. Loyal to our traditions.

Taron gave a small bow not to Kaela, but to the council. I am honored to take Kaela as my Luna and together we will restore order.

Kaela's voice cut through the quiet. You will take nothing from me, Kaela spat. I would rather be chained to the moon.

His smile didn't falter. You wound me but time will tame you. I'm not here for games, Kaela. I'm here for power. The Council wants heirs, stability and control. So do I. Together, we can secure that Or you can keep playing rebel in the mud and watch Ironclaw burn.

Kaela's eyes flashed. I would rather burn it myself than chain myself to you.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. Refuse me and you will face worse than council disapproval. You will make enemies of everyone who still values the old order.

Kaela bared her teeth. Let them come.

Gasps rippled through the elders. Ronan looked furious not at Taron's words, but at Kaela's defiance. Still, he lifted a hand in silence.

If Taron does not suit you, Ronan said coldly, perhaps another Alpha will. One whose influence reaches far beyond the mountains.

But Ronan had not finished.

A parchment was handed to her. The wax seal bore a twisted fang, the mark of Alpha Darius Blackmaw.

She tore it open and read the letter aloud.

"To Kaela Ironclaw,

I offer you survival. Submit to me, become my Luna and I will spare your rebellion. Together, we will shape a new order, one where female wolves know their place.

Refuse and I will raze your caves. Burn your circle. Slaughter your allies. The blood moon favors strength and I am the stronger wolf.

Choose wisely."

Her hands trembled with rage.

Two choices? she spat. A cold-blooded viper or a tyrant draped in power?

Silence fell heavy.

Kaela turned to her father, voice sharp as a blade. You would trade me to Blackmaw like livestock?

Power costs, Ronan said flatly. Darius offers strength. Taron offers control.

Choose, Kaela.

You will choose one, Ronan said. For the good of the realm.

Kaela stepped back, voice rising. No. I won't be a prize traded between monsters. I am not a daughter, not a pawn and I will never be your Luna.

Taron stepped closer. Then you choose war.

Kaela's eyes burned with fury. Then I will raise my own pack, Kaela said, voice steel. One that bows to no man.

I am the Luna of the Rebellion. Chosen by fire. Forged in truth. I will not bow.

Kaela turned on her heel, her footsteps thundering through the council chamber like a war drum.

She didn't care about the gasps or the curses thrown behind her.

Let them plot.

Let them rage.

She would not be theirs.

Not anymore.